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Coins, Currency, and Medals

The Museum possesses one of the largest numismatic collections in the world. The collections include over 1 million objects, comprising coins, medals, decorations, and pieces of paper money. Among the many great rarities here are some of the world’s oldest coins, created 2,700 years ago. But the collection also includes the latest innovations in electronic monetary exchange, as well as beads, wampum, and other commodities once used as money. A special strength lies in artifacts that illustrate the development of money and medals in the United States. The American section includes many rare and significant coins, such as two of three known examples of the world's most valuable coin, the 1933 double eagle $20 gold piece.

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Capped Liberty head right, date below. Reverse: Heraldic eagle, stars and clouds above, denomination below. This pattern incorporates all of the designs to be introduced on circulating quarters in the following year. However, the clouds on the pattern design were removed before production commenced. Two specimens of this pattern exist, both at the Smithsonian Institution. [reference no. Judd 1761]

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Capped head of Liberty facing right; stars around and date below. Reverse: Heraldic eagle, stars and clouds above, denomination below. This is one of a series of pattern half dollars by Charles E. Barber. The obverse design is essentially identical with the format adopted for coinage in 1892. The reverse is different, and the clouds above the eagle never appeared on circulating coinage. This pattern is unique.

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Capped head of Liberty facing right; stars around and date below. The reverse reintroduces the clouds above the eagle, but in a more stylized way. Two pieces are known, both in the Smithsonian Institution. [reference no. Judd 1764]

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Capped head of Liberty facing right; stars around and date below. The reverse reintroduces the clouds above the eagle, but in a more stylized way. Two pieces are known, both in the Smithsonian Institution. [reference no. Judd 1764]

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Capped head of Liberty facing right; stars around and date below. Reverse: Eagle, stars and clouds above, all within wreath. Both known patterns with these designs are in the National Numismatic Collection. [reference no. Judd 1765]

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Capped head of Liberty facing right; stars around and date below. Reverse: Eagle, stars and clouds above, all within wreath. Both known patterns with these designs are located in the National Numismatic Collection. [reference no. Judd 1765]

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Capped Liberty head right, date below. Reverse: Denomination in wreath. This is a transitional pattern dated 1891 that was adopted in 1892. Charles E. Barber designed this coin and its companion quarter dollar and half dollar. Two of these transitional dimes are known, both at the Smithsonian.